Overall, 'Dirty Pretty Things' is an intriguing look at a subversive side of London - a side unseen to both indigenous residents and, most importantly, (and obviously, seeing as much of the film is set in a hotel) tourists. The narratives discusses the stories of multiple immigrants - all searching for something in London that is just impossible to find at home.
The multiplicity of the characters allows the film to present the stories of numerous immigrants - everyone has a different tale to tell. The protagonists - Okwe and Senay - come from different backgrounds and are searching for a different dream - as are many of the other, entirely more minor, characters that are encountered in the hidden and sinister environment. This is a film about how this subversive environment reacts to those it can use and abuse - I found one of the most powerful images to be the sight of blood spots on Senay's white robe clearly emphasising a distinct loss of innocence. The previously devoutly religious Senay is transformed into a girl sharing a cigarette with a prostitute - "what a couple we make".
Stephen Frear's direction is masterful, powerfully juxtaposing establishing shots of the city of London with somehow sinister interiors of businesses filled with illegal immigrants - showing how dark the city can be when the surface is scratched. The lead performances are masterful - Audrey Tatou in particular following up on her success in 'Amelie' with a superb performance, proving herself to be a top quality actress.
However, despite all the goodness, the story never seems to go far enough and left me feel a little disappointed. Okwe, in particular, is never really developed fully, and his late character turns, despite adding another depth to his character, feel a little hasty and rushed. This really could have been the British film of 2002 but, somehow, it falls just that little bit short. Still definitely worth a look.
7
The multiplicity of the characters allows the film to present the stories of numerous immigrants - everyone has a different tale to tell. The protagonists - Okwe and Senay - come from different backgrounds and are searching for a different dream - as are many of the other, entirely more minor, characters that are encountered in the hidden and sinister environment. This is a film about how this subversive environment reacts to those it can use and abuse - I found one of the most powerful images to be the sight of blood spots on Senay's white robe clearly emphasising a distinct loss of innocence. The previously devoutly religious Senay is transformed into a girl sharing a cigarette with a prostitute - "what a couple we make".
Stephen Frear's direction is masterful, powerfully juxtaposing establishing shots of the city of London with somehow sinister interiors of businesses filled with illegal immigrants - showing how dark the city can be when the surface is scratched. The lead performances are masterful - Audrey Tatou in particular following up on her success in 'Amelie' with a superb performance, proving herself to be a top quality actress.
However, despite all the goodness, the story never seems to go far enough and left me feel a little disappointed. Okwe, in particular, is never really developed fully, and his late character turns, despite adding another depth to his character, feel a little hasty and rushed. This really could have been the British film of 2002 but, somehow, it falls just that little bit short. Still definitely worth a look.
7